new to astilbes - best varieties?

ILoveBelgianMalinois ToPieces(z7, Wash DC)May 21, 2004

Hi, I'm new to trying out astilbes in a morning sun, afternoon shade situation and I'm wondering if any of you have had particular success with certain types of astilbes that seem to just thrive! thanks!!!! they all look so pretty in the catalog, but which ones really work?? : )

I've grown 'Rheinland' in just about the same conditions you describe; except mine is under the deep shade of a huge maple tree. The maple sucks up the moisture and the soil by the end of each season. The 'Rheinland' is doing wonderfully. Last fall, I divided a 3-year clump. This year even the tiniest division, about 3" tall is sending up buds. It has fluffy pink flowers.

The color of the bloom fades, while the flower dries and adds texture. I leave my flowers there all summer, fall, and winter. There they are, just under the picture window, behind the Rudbeckia and the evergreen. They bloomed in June, and are brown, but still interesting in September.